January 3, 2025 • 38 mins
Do you like the Detroit Lions or Minnesota Vikings to capture the #1 seed in the NFC? Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secure their division with a win or do the Atlanta Falcons have a fighting chance to stay alive? Which seed will the Washington Commanders be? Can the Bengals make a last effort at an improbable late season playoff push or will the Denver Broncos spoil their chances with a win over the Chiefs?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
NFL Game Deview is a production of the NFL in
partnership with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Well in the Game Debut present about Mercedes been Patrick
playbound here with Greg Rosenthal and Cynthia Freeland, who have
gone back and forth all season long, but Cynthia, something
has changed this week.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Well, we kind of haven't gone back and forth all season.
That was nice of you, but it doesn't matter. It's
how you finish, right, It's not how you start, it's
how you finish. And right now things are okay. I
didn't even know.
Speaker 4 (00:32):
How to Apparently this Pittsburgh Steelers, of this operation looking
good all year and then at the end it just
sinks and I'm getting drummed all of a sudden.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Yeah, the dueling flexes there, Cynthia flexing that she didn't
even know, Greg flexing that he's been on top all
season long. But yes, with a three game lead that
she was apparently not aware of at all until our meetings.
Speaker 5 (00:54):
I don't buy that. I don't.
Speaker 6 (00:55):
I don't remember some of your He's.
Speaker 4 (00:56):
Checking what the picks are, but it's not done yet.
We got a big Week eight team. There's weird spreads
all over the place.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
I just look at my own they focus on myself, Greg,
you know, only me, I compet.
Speaker 5 (01:07):
With Don Drapered me. I don't even think yeah, yeah.
Speaker 7 (01:09):
Don't think about you at all.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
We got more sneak diss is coming on this edition
of the game debut High stakes though. When the Vikings
face off against the Lions on Sunday Night Football, the
winner gets the one seed in the NFC. Loser falls
all the way down to five. These teams throwing haymakers
when they met back in week seven. The Vikings at
fourteen and two could be right there where the Lions
are if they get this win on Sunday Night Football. Also,
(01:32):
you know, keep an eye on the Falcons and the
Buckses win loss situation could change that, But we're focused
on the Vikings. Lions rematched in Detroit, steaks huge. As
we said, very close the first time.
Speaker 7 (01:44):
You just saw it.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
What about this time in this matchup, Cynthia, what happens?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Well, it was kind of interesting to see that koc
that coach o'connells said that to stay healthy, because that
certainly hasn't happened. But I still somehow have Detroit coming
out on top by one measily point twenty seven, twenty
six in the Motor City. I don't like this from
the standpoint of like I'd rather hedge and like have
(02:10):
picked Minnesota and then like just be cheering for the
Lions and just be happy about it. But you know
who else likes to take risk more than me?
Speaker 6 (02:16):
That would be the coach.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
And when you're looking at what Jared Gossman doing on
third and fourth down last week, that was something where
Dan and I guess Ben Johnson too, they're like, Hey,
who cares if it's third or fourth down, We don't care.
We can throw touchdowns on every single down and we're
gonna keep going for it and not let our defense
stay on the field because there's pretty much no one
playing on the defense. So ultimately using those downs, those
(02:39):
later downs kind of the way that you'd use second
down or sometimes even first down a very interesting. Throwing
touchdowns on fourth down. That's a risky strategy, but if
you're going to be in the position where your entire
defense is banged up, it's a risk worth taking.
Speaker 6 (02:54):
And it paid off last week.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
And that's gonna be something I think we see here too,
especially considering Minnesota and later downs. They don't blitz as often,
so you're gonna get better looks potentially with less blitzing.
Speaker 6 (03:03):
It's interesting.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
So you're hedging a little bit, you are, you are
picking the Vikings to cover the spread.
Speaker 5 (03:09):
I am to cover that three AM.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
And I went into this week and I was almost surprised, Oh,
the Lions are favored.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
I don't.
Speaker 4 (03:14):
We just kind of see that the Vikings are a
better team now. And yet when I looked at this,
sometimes this is not about the team. It's not about
the numbers, it's not about hedging. I want to watch
Sunday night. I want to root on the lines, and
I believe there's something beyond the numbers that the model
can't even replicate.
Speaker 5 (03:30):
Lions win this game by four.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
They cover the number, and it's because of Dan Campbell,
because he's made us all believe in something greater than
just the x's and o's and the Jimmy's and the
Joe's and the blocking and the going for fourth down.
And I just have enjoyed being part of this journey.
They are America's team. I'm sorry Vikings, like I can't
remember a team that had this many people that aren't
(03:53):
Lions fans backing them.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
And so even though I kind.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Of think the Lions aren't as good because of their
defensive talent ultimately in the back seven, especially at cornerback
and linebacker.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
Ultimately, I look.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
At the just the games they've been in. They've been
making this journey for three years. You think about a
couple of years ago on Sunday Night Football when they
beat the Packers, and I just feel like they are
hard and just like Dan Campbell said, they've got special
players in golf and Gibbs, and they find a way
somehow to get it done and get themselves a little break.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, a little brick that's needed for a team that's
dealing with all these injuries. Guys, that's unanimous. I have
the Detroit Lions winning also by one. I'll give both
teams one more point than Cynthia. There might score twenty
eight to twenty seven, because I think there's going to
be high scores. The Lions clearly have those problems with
injuries on defense, but there are two parts of this
Lion's defense that are there and playing well.
Speaker 7 (04:45):
It is Kirby Joseph who leads the NFL in interceptions.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Talking about Pro Bowl snubs, i'n't the way that he
has played this season. Also, Brian Branch in the secondary,
Sam Donald almost half of his attempts are past the
sticks and the intermediate defense for the Detroit Lions secondary
top three in the entire NFL. I know they are hurt,
but if we're gonna pick the quarterback to make mistakes,
(05:10):
we saw Donald with those high throws last week against
the Green Bay Packers. Jared Goff hasn't made those mistakes.
I think Jared and the Lions gonna win here.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
They're gonna meme us, meme away. Viking spander the most
likely to meme.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Look at the blowouts that we have collectively six points
between us.
Speaker 7 (05:30):
We respect the Vikings. Just feel like the Lions are
gonna win this game at home.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Moving to the AFC, the Bengals might be the one
team opponents do not want to see in the postseas
they are still alive. Here's what they need. This list
was a lot longer a couple of weeks ago, but
the Bengals need to get a win against the Steelers
and then see the Broncos lose to the Chiefs and
the Dolphins lose or have a tie against the New
(05:54):
York Jets, but those things will happen afterwards. With the
Bengals Steelers on Saturday night, Pittsburgh already clinched the playoff spot,
since he needs that win to keep their dream alive.
Speaker 7 (06:04):
Do they get that winger.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
I don't think they do. It would be better for
our entertainment purposes. On Sunday, but I think the Bengals
lose for the first time in a while since they
last played the Steelers Pittsburgh wins twenty three to twenty
because sometimes you got to believe that there's a character
to a team, and it doesn't make sense you add
up fifty three different guys and yet the same thing
(06:25):
keeps happening over and over. And what I keep seeing
happen this season if you go all the way back
to the beginning with this Bengals team, is they just.
Speaker 5 (06:33):
Find ways to lose close games.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
And it's mostly because of those guys in the secondary
in the defense, and they've been better defensively lately, but
it's mostly because they're getting turnovers. They're not really getting
a lot of stops or forcing mistakes. And you're watching
all these games over the course of the season, whether
it's in the division to the Ravens or the Steelers,
and they're.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
All good opponents.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Well here's another one, Pittsburgh, and there's something I believe
that's in their DNA in Pittsburgh. I want to believe
they're different than the other Mike Tomlin teams that have
been nine and eight, ten and seven, not really that good.
I want to believe this team is an eleven and
six type of team that actually finishes the season strong
and gets this win on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
I agree with you, Greg, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers
win as well. I've got a twenty nine to twenty
eight win by this Steelers team. I would probably feel
different if both Nicks and the Broncos didn't absolutely evaporate
through the Bengals and score that touchdown on Saturday last week.
And I look back at the very last time these
two teams played when other than an interception on the
(07:34):
opening drive, which could have easily been defensive pass interference,
this was the best game that Russell Wilson has played,
maybe in the last five years. He was incredibly through
for four hundred yards. The Steelers could.
Speaker 7 (07:45):
Not be stopped.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
And yeah, I saw this Bengals pass rush not being
able to cause a whole lot of problems. There were
some mistakes, as Greg mentioned, has been the only reason
the Bengals have been able to get off the field lately.
The opposition hasn't been that well. I can't get this.
Speaker 7 (07:59):
Out of my mind. I'm going with the Steelers winning, Cynthia.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
You guys are letting me take the bank ah by myself.
Speaker 6 (08:06):
Okay, good fine.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
Cincinnati wins twenty six to twenty for prime number, this one.
I like as far as prime numbers go. Why because
you don't just have Joe Burrow who's playing out of
his mind. You don't just have Jamar Chase also playing
out of his mind, probably gonna win the Triple Crown.
Speaker 6 (08:21):
You also have number five.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Who recently just signed with the same agent as Number one.
Speaker 6 (08:25):
That would be Jamar Chase.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
And I think this is going to be an interesting
situation where both of these guys, maybe not on the
same team, but get a huge payday. In large part
because of how the end of this season has looked.
Speaker 6 (08:37):
T Higgins since returning for injury.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Oh, all he's done is score touchdowns at least one
in games and then at least seventy five years this
is the only wide receiver duo with ten or more
touchdowns each.
Speaker 6 (08:48):
Chase has sixteen, t Higgins has ten.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
I think that the dual threat there is going to
be too much for the Pittsburgh Steelers to overcome.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
All right, so no, it's no meme, but we do
have Cynthia all by herself with the favorites, and the
Cincinnati Bengals will see it.
Speaker 7 (09:02):
Hell thumbs down, Jamar t I'll.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Take a better rate if you guys want to sign
with me. It's time for expert playmakers presented by into
It Tobo attacks.
Speaker 7 (09:11):
We talked about the other option.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Cynthia, Well, Jamar Chase have over ninety two receiving yards
in this game.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
I have ninety nine, which is more than ninety two.
I think that this game is really going to come
down to I think it's going to be a nice
game with lots of passing yards. If you're looking at
where in the game you're going to get these yards
coming from, well, it's what happens when Joe Burrow is
not under pressure, which his O line has kept him
from pressure, and they kept TJ.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
Watt and check.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
So look, here's what I'm gonna say Jamar Chase ninety
nine yards.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
I like it all right, A fun game in the AFC.
Let's take a look at that AFC playoff picture where yeah,
the Kansas City Chiefs have wrapped up the bye, but
this game between the Chiefs and the Broncos determines the
future for both of those teams in the hunt, the
Dolphins and the Bengals. So let's dive in to this
matchup between the Chiefs and the Broncos. Casey gets the
(09:59):
one seed, they will be wrestling starters. No Patrick Mahomes,
no Chris Jones. If Denver wins, they lynch the final
wild card spot in the AFC.
Speaker 7 (10:06):
How do you see this going something?
Speaker 3 (10:07):
I think it's a closer than expecting game out, but
that way, I have twenty five to sixteen in favor
of Denver. I'm looking at bo Nix and his evolution
from the beginning of the season. I think we need
to kind of believe Sean Payton a little bit more.
Speaker 6 (10:20):
Before the season started, we were.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Kind of like, well, he's played a whole bunch of
he's old, you know, bo Nick says in he's old,
and we've seen some turnovers.
Speaker 6 (10:28):
We don't know what to expect and then Sean Payton.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Comes along watches him throw like six passes, like this
is the next Drew Brees. Now I'm not going to
call him the next Drew Brees, but I am going
to say we've seen such a stark contrast from the
beginning of the season to the end and his evolution,
his strategic use of the run game, his strategic I
do want to see how overall the Broncos run game
looks in this matchup, but I think it's a nice
solid win, just maybe a little closer than the number
(10:51):
is predicted.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
So it's the first game we're talking about. We're talking
about who's sitting and who's playing. Carson Wentz is starting
for the Chiefs and that's why you see that monster number.
Speaker 5 (11:02):
I think the Chiefs cover that number.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
So Cynthia and I think the Broncos win and they
ultimately go to the playoffs because they're different than old
Broncos team, because they have superstar quality players. This has
been such a one sided matchup Denver in Kansas City
over the last six seven years, but if you think
back to earlier this season, it was a very close game,
and it's partly because they have premier talent. You're watching
(11:25):
Zach Allen, who made the Pro Bowl, who might make
All Pro, who if he had a different name, would
be a star at this point because he's playing at
a star level. You're looking at Patrick's.
Speaker 7 (11:37):
Back if his name was like Razor Allen.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
I came up as a third round pick and he's
just not a well known guy because he comes from Arizona.
Patrick's defensive Player of the Year, premier talent. And I
would throw Quinn Miners in there, who probably should have
been on the Pro Bowl team or an All Pro.
But three guys who might be the very best at
their particular position. That's enough to get them through what
I think will be an anxious, closer game than Broncos
(12:02):
fans really want.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Yeah, I've also so got the Denver Broncos not necessarily
covering that line because rosters are only so big in
the NFL. The Chiefs have had injuries at skill positions.
Some people have to play, and so I think it's
closer there. I got a five point win. But we
are meming here, and Greg mentioned all the talent on
this Denver Broncos team. Let's discuss Courtland Sudden. What a
(12:24):
season for him. He's making difficult catches. He's making he's
like the only guy on the team.
Speaker 7 (12:30):
That's doing it.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Thirteen catches this season with a sub fifty percent completion probability,
more than all other Broncos receivers combined. Just a really
good season for a really good player, for this old,
elderly twenty five year old, twenty four year old quarterback
who turned twenty five in February in Bonnicks.
Speaker 7 (12:49):
But it was the critiques and people.
Speaker 6 (12:51):
I didn't make it up.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
I'm not like shaming. I'm not old shaming him. I'm
just saying that that was one of the draft notes him.
Speaker 6 (12:57):
He's old. Yeah, I didn't say it. I just said it.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Was like like a couple months older than Jaydon Daniels,
like Jill Ever, Right, they're not going to dry up
playing football. Saints Bucks in Tampa, Baker coming off a
smooth five touchdown performance against the Panthers.
Speaker 7 (13:12):
If the Bucks win Sunday, they.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Clinch the NFC South in a spot in the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (13:16):
Do they take care of business?
Speaker 6 (13:17):
Cynthia, Heck yeah, they do. Thirty to thirteen is my score.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
In Mike Evans, he gets his next one thousand yard season.
Speaker 6 (13:25):
That makes it eleven. He needs eighty five yards.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
That feels super manageable for him, maybe even in the
first half. Then they can sid him in the second
half well on their way to the postseason.
Speaker 7 (13:35):
I believe they do so as well. Baker plays well.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
But the guy that has been the big spark in
this late season push by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as
their rookie running back Bucky Irving, who I think has
great things to look forward to. Tampa Bay wins at
twenty four to thirteen, powered by their one thousand yard
rusher and Bucky Irving, who has a whole lot of
yards against the Carolina Panthers this season. And I recognize
(13:58):
those helped statistically, but look at what he's been able
to do down the stretch, especially those wins on the road,
and now they're back at home. I think Bucky Irving
powers this Bucks offense to another win.
Speaker 5 (14:09):
Yeah, it's going to.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
Be tough for Falcons fans watching this because they're just
hoping for a chance, and I think there is no chance.
I think the Bucks roll thirty seven to eleven is
my score. And I'm going to talk about Shaq Barrett,
who is now on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yeah, one
of the Super Bowl heros when they won back in
the twenty twenty season, was so good off the edge
for them. Retired, came out of retirement, was with the
(14:32):
Dolphins for a little while, and eventually they'd let him
go so he could play on a team he'd rather
play for.
Speaker 5 (14:37):
He's very close with Todd Bowles.
Speaker 4 (14:39):
He's been through a lot lately in terms of his
personal life, and he said when he was retired, it
sort of reignited his.
Speaker 5 (14:48):
Love for the game. So I think that's pretty cool.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
They could use a pass rusher, just something to watch
down the stretch, something they're someone they're really excited to
have back.
Speaker 7 (14:55):
In the build.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah, quite a luxury, be like, oh yeah, let's bring
Shaq Barrett back and go win this division.
Speaker 7 (15:00):
Let's take a look at the odds to win. It's
not NFC.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Yeah, right now, the Falcons are looking at this Bucks
game against the Saints, the fourteen hundred.
Speaker 4 (15:10):
We should have been listened to me before the season.
You can check out my division picks. I had the
Bucks to win it when everyone was on the Falcons.
Speaker 7 (15:17):
Yeah, it wasn't even close. All it took was an
over top loss to me.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Washington Commanders for those Falcons who have the Panthers coming
up in Lanta again, needs a win here plus the
Bucks to lose.
Speaker 7 (15:28):
How's that one gonna go? Greg?
Speaker 4 (15:29):
I think the Falcons do win this game, and I
think it's an important game for them to prove kind
of they've taken a step. Losing two straight at the
end would be disappointing, but Michael Pennox gets them a
close win twenty six to twenty three. I like the
Panthers a lot to cover this eight point spread because
to me, the Falcons have not earned the right to
be this huge and favorite against a good quarterback in
(15:49):
Bryce Young. And yet what we've seen out of Michael
Pennox the last couple of weeks I think will give
the Falcons and their fans optimism heading into the off season.
Look at that pass when he throws those out routes
down the field, that it gets there so fast that
the decision making is right, The poise is terrific. The
movement ability and all that like that'll come with time,
(16:10):
but he certainly is moving better than Kirk Cousins, So
I think it's ultimately a positive how they finished.
Speaker 5 (16:15):
As long as they win this game, don't lose it.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
Yeah, and I think the winning opportunity comes easy here.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
I got the Falcons.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
Winning twenty four to sixteen, mainly not just taking shots
at Bryce Young and his Panthers offense, but the run
defense is historically bad in Carolina. They've given up twenty
eight hundred yards rushing this season, and in terms of
EPA against, they're the second worst rush defense in the
history of the Next Gen Stats era, going all the
(16:43):
way back to twenty and sixteen. And that means Bjeon
Robinson will have an incredible opportunity. He's got six touchdowns
in his last five games, one hundred and twenty five
yards and one of them ninety four with two touchdowns.
Ninety with two touchdowns a week ago.
Speaker 7 (16:58):
Big week for Bijon and the Falcons.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Well, they have to rely on the Saints, which is
a tough spot for Falcons fans to be in.
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Sid Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
I have Atlanta winning too, but only by seven points,
so just one touchdown twenty six to nineteen, meme away.
Interestingly enough, I just feel like we should say at
least one nice thing about the Panthers and that's about
Adam Thielen, Adam Felen's ability to really help Bryce Young out,
especially after kind of a weird beginning of the season.
Speaker 6 (17:22):
Things were not good.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
There were some injuries, there's a lot of It was
a really tough season overall for this entire offense. But
I've been watching the routes that he's been running, I've
been watching him get open.
Speaker 6 (17:32):
I've been watching a.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Lot of fun things from Adam Thielen, and I think
that that has really helped Bryce Young. So if we're
looking for something positive here, look at the connection between
those two.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Look at the dimes being dropped about number nine out there.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
No, no, you're right. Steelan was supposed to be washed
up years ago. He's not washed up and he's amazing.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Stop ending people's careers like both of those players who
had a great turnaround this season. When we come back,
Tyreek and the Dolphins need a win to keep their
playoff dreams alive. They're going to MetLife to take on
Aaron Rodgers and the powerful Jets. Aaron would love to
crush the Fins and what could be his final game
as a Jet.
Speaker 7 (18:10):
Maybe he is anyone who's gonna win. Find out coming
up next on Game Debut, We're back on.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Game Davie with NFL Plus stream the entire NFL postseason,
including every playoff game and Super Bowl fifty nine live
on mobile. Subscription required for NFL Plus. Visit plus dot
NFL for terms and conditions. Time to Seize the Season
presented by Caesar sportsbook Is. I'm sure the folks in
Rome would be able to read those numerals a.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
Whole lot better than me. The Dolphins at the.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Jets' first touchdown score odds, it doesn't look like we're
very confident that the touchdown will be scored, but for
because the odds team up for VRSS Hoggen in Theilme
Devon Hm, Devonte Adams, Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson. Miami needs
a win to stay alive in the playoff Hunt a
win and hoping the Chiefs can be the Broncos who
(19:05):
as dealing with a hip injury. So Snoop Huntley pro bowler,
Snoopuntley starting again? What do you see taking place with you?
Speaker 3 (19:11):
So, as of what we know right now, and this
could change should their offensive line be different. I have
the Miami Dolphins winning by two points twenty two to twenty.
Speaker 6 (19:20):
It always makes me laugh whenever you ever hear that.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
But I just want to give a little love to
John new Smith, who's been a huge reason why this
team has a lot of different chances in every game.
Speaker 6 (19:29):
The tight end. He's been electric this year.
Speaker 3 (19:31):
He's been not just a guy who you can rely
on to get you those crucial third downs or touchdowns,
but also like he's changed his route, Like if you
watch him, if you were to pan out and watch
the all twenty twos, you can actually see him adjust
his route really specifically. So both quarterbacks have been very
happy to work with him, but also just watching his
ability to get open finding separation is huge and that's
(19:53):
part of the reason. Why not just he, but this
offense has been so helpful and been part of a
winning you know, as much winning as they've done and
putting them in the position to at least be eligible
for the playoffs in Week eighteen, and.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Even there in that highlight package you see them dragging
across the field. For this Dolphins offense that hasn't been
able to run the ball very well down the stretch.
In fact, they've actually been bad at it, which is
why you.
Speaker 7 (20:14):
Might think I would take the Jets here.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
I've got the Dolphins twenty one to eighteen because the
reason that you take the Jets is you believe their
quarterback will complete some passes and be good.
Speaker 7 (20:25):
But these past few games, it has been downright bad
for Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
So many opportunities to complete short passes one hundred Williams
ends up scoring a touchdown on this one. He had
Kennybola wide open, nobody in eight yards of him last week,
and he threw him a bounce pass. It's just a
rough spot for me to take Aaron Rodgers and the
Jets against the team that actually has an outside hope of.
Speaker 7 (20:49):
Going to the playoffs in this one. So yeah, I
will take I'll take the Miami Dolphins as well. Great.
Speaker 5 (20:54):
Yeah, this is a really tough one to pick. Now.
Speaker 4 (20:57):
It's been a tough year for modeling systems, like in
terms of like elections or whatever like. But there is
one system that's had one hundred percent success rate, and
that's been fraud.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Watch all season long.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Both Patrick and I put the Jets on fraud Watch.
They've remained fraudulent. I'm taking them off Broadwatch for Week
eighteen because the Dolphins are all banged up and they're
gonna get it done because of Greg Joseph. This is
gonna be a game we have no touchdowns, all kicks.
This is Greg Joseph in Washington. We couldn't find any
grooveage Jets footage.
Speaker 5 (21:28):
I don't know what the number is in.
Speaker 4 (21:30):
Terms of seizing the season, in terms of picking a
game with zero touchdown, six field goals'll get it in
there because the Jets can't finish any drive, so they
get six field goals. They have never finished the drive
with Aaron Rodgers's quarterback, don't check that.
Speaker 5 (21:43):
But the Dolphins snoop punt lee.
Speaker 4 (21:44):
Okay, I can live with him, but they're missing both tackles,
most likely Kenda Lambs on IR we don't know about
Toronto Armstead as we're taping this, and that's too much.
So I'm taking him off Broadwatch and Greg Joseph will
deliver me a game that I need to come back on.
Speaker 5 (21:59):
Cynthia, do it.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
For Greg, Greg, although he just has one g Let's
look at the draft order entering Week eighteen. These are
the stakes for those of you who would like a
team to lose. The Patriots right now holding on to
the number one overall pick, having to fend off the Titans, Browns,
and Giants all sitting currently at three and thirteen. So
keep that draft order in mind as we get to
(22:21):
some quick picks here. On Game day view, the Bills
and the Patriots. Buffalo locked into the two seed in
the AFC. If the Patriots win, they could miss out
on the number one overall pick. So what takes place.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
Welcome to your DFS lineup, Mitch Trubisky. Buffalo wins twenty
four to seventeen.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
I think this one. I want to give a little bit.
Speaker 3 (22:42):
Of love to the defense. We talked about a lot
of things with this offense, but Greg Russo has had
a really wonderful year. Of course, Von Miller's still there
aj Fanessa, but bringing the heat, bringing pressure in the
postseason is going to be a big deal. And you're watching,
especially Greg Russo have just a breakout season.
Speaker 6 (23:01):
They're going to have to figure out to pay him.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
That's a problem for later than future them. But ultimately
this is where a little bit of the difference is made.
I had questions about the defense coming in and Greg
Russo he has answered them.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
They're resting starters though we ekteen is funky when Patrick
and I are picking the Patriots starters to blow the
number one seed, but the Bills.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
Are Mitch Trubisky.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, the power of Mitch Trubisky. Let's go to the
Texas and Titans. Houston locked into the four seed and
the AFC Tennessee has the number two overall pick.
Speaker 7 (23:30):
Right now, do they do they at the end of
the week, grit No.
Speaker 5 (23:34):
I think the Titans win this game.
Speaker 4 (23:36):
I think the Patriots win too, because the Texans and
Jamiico Ryan say they're going to play their starters and
everyone has to be ready, but their starters aren't even
playing well lately, especially on the defensive side. Like as
great as they've been all season long, they've given up
a lot of points lately, and I just don't know
if they're the type of team that can go out
there and play for a quarter and a half and
(23:57):
then rest their guys and think they're going to win.
Speaker 5 (23:59):
That is what I expect.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
When coaches say they have to be ready to play
and they're gonna get some work, that usually means they're
not going to play the whole game the way they've
been playing over the last ten weeks. What reason do
I have to think Davis Mills and their backups are
going to win a game.
Speaker 5 (24:15):
Let's go tighten.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
Yeah, maybe that reason is the other team could have
the number one over all.
Speaker 7 (24:21):
The bit good.
Speaker 5 (24:21):
Players don't care about that, but maybe you're right.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Yeah, we'll see the Browns and Ravens Saturday afternoon. Baltimore
can clinch the AFC North with a win. I think
they do, although the number a little bit rich for me.
I've got a twenty one to thirteen win here, and
we're gonna see another quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. And
if you're watching this video of Dorian Thompson Robinson and thinking, well,
he turned the ball over all the time, why are
(24:45):
we playing him instead of Jamis Winston, Well, we got
another quarterback coming in who has more interceptions in his
career than touchdowns. That's Bailey Zappi playing, which is why
Greg Rosenthal has a thirty to eight score. Not a
lot of faith in the Cleveland Browns, but I think
they're playing for something, an opportunity to spoil.
Speaker 4 (25:02):
I mean that's generous. They scored three against the Dolphins
last week.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
It's been rough the Giants and Eagles Philly locked into
the two seed in the NFC. They're resting their starters,
including Saquon the Big Blues team starters gonna win against
the Eagles.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
A do I'm going with all the teammoots who are
playing their starters blowing their draft pick. Drew Locke, It's happening,
Malik Neighbors. This guy is a force of nature. That
was one of the best games I can remember out
of a rookie wide receiver I've ever seen.
Speaker 5 (25:34):
It reminded me of Odell Beckham against the Cowboys back
in the day.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
Man, this kid can make every type of throw and
I think Drew Lock has played better than the numbers
indicate all season. Again, it's a bunch of starters against
a bunch of backups, and that's why these numbers are
so low.
Speaker 5 (25:51):
Minus three for the Eagles. What are you laughing at?
Speaker 7 (25:53):
I'm laughing at.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
Drew Lock throwing for like three are ars there, Melik's
Neighbors running for.
Speaker 7 (25:57):
Fifty seven star touchdown.
Speaker 5 (25:58):
It's your playmakers game of his life.
Speaker 7 (26:01):
Drew Lock coming up the Chargers. Raiders in Vegas.
Speaker 2 (26:04):
Coach Harball says, if there's a chance to move up
seeds in the playoffs, they are gonna take it. So
LA is playing to win the game. The Raiders of
one two in a row. What happens here?
Speaker 4 (26:13):
Greg, I think the Chargers do win this game, and
they win it going to way twenty three to thirteen
because Justin Herbert is playing his best ball of the
year at the end of the season.
Speaker 5 (26:23):
That is absolutely huge. And then on the.
Speaker 4 (26:24):
Flip side, on defense, Derwin James has been on a
sack streak. Very nice to see Derwin James rewarded with
a Pro Bowl appearance. They're using him more around the
line of scrimmage. He also is always the happiest guy
in the postgame celebration. You can tell when they talk
like culture. I don't even know what that means. I
think it's just having guys who are really good that
(26:45):
care a lot. And I think Jim Harbaugh recognized Derwin
James as a like minded individual, a really talented individual
who cares a lot.
Speaker 5 (26:53):
Happy to see him doing so well.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
Yeah, it's a fun team, a lot of guys to
root for. I also have them scoring twenty three points.
I've got to win twenty three to nineteen, and they
get one of their best players on offense back and
we saw JK. Dobbins be a part of this offense
when they really started to play well. Played well last week,
didn't have to play a lot, but what an opportunity
for a guy who I think could be the comeback
(27:16):
player of the year in the NFL.
Speaker 7 (27:18):
And JK.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
Dobbins powers this team to twenty three points early and
then they could shut it down as the defense holds
strong and gets this win against Las Vegas.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Cynthia, I mean, twenty three seems to be the number
for the Chargers. From twenty three to sixteen is my score?
A touchdown win for the Chargers.
Speaker 6 (27:36):
Mimus Away. I just want to talk about Brock Bauers.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
One last time because we're probably not going to I mean,
we're not talking about in the postseason, but ultimately what
he's been able to do, breaking Mike Dickka's sixty three
year record, that's incredible. It's all about yards after the catch,
yards after the catch, over expected, all the different ways
that he's been able to run, all the routes on
the route treet be effective in each and every one
(28:00):
of them. The thing about this kid is he's so quiet.
Speaker 6 (28:03):
We don't even hear him. He doesn't talk about it.
Speaker 3 (28:05):
He's not like one of those people who's telling us
how amazing he is, So we get to be the
mouthpiece for him. He should at least be in consideration
for Offensive Player of the You're just with lad mconukey
as well. But Rock Bowers an amazing talent. We're going
to be watching him going forward, and you know next
time we'll talk about him is probably you know in
the preseason where we're doing fantasy drafts and you're gonna
want to.
Speaker 5 (28:22):
Draft him very high.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
Oh no, I'm covering him in the Pro Bowl games
very early.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Same after the first half on Thursday. I know some
Georgia fans would like Brock Bowers and Ladd mccaukeey'll still
be there. Let's go for more or less talk to
some player props for the colossal Vikings Lions matchup on
Sunday night. Gretx Well one, Jared Golf, So for more
or less? Wait, just one passing touch?
Speaker 4 (28:43):
I mean, let's throw the moon. Can I just throw
it off the camera? It's over, I mean one and
a half. It's never gotten any easier. Brian Flores in
this defense, I'm curious how aggressive they will be, but
there's usually holes in the middle of their defense. If
you're going to attack the Vikings, that's where you attack them.
And who is graded attacking the middle of the field.
(29:03):
It's Jared Goff Right, there's your.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
Lips to whoever's in charge his ears to make that happen.
Whoever's in charge, Just here, Greg, I.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
Will ask you about the opposition then, Cynthia, because Justin
Jefferson has two one hundred yard games at his last four,
does he go for more or less than ninety one
and a half.
Speaker 3 (29:20):
Receiving you He's another guy who have ninety nine yards
forecast for more yards than that. This defense is real
lying there are a ton of players still on IR.
I think a lot of those players at Carlton Davis specifically,
I would really like to have him back for this
matchup with Justin Jefferson. I think the key will be
not letting both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Maddison have one
(29:41):
hundred yards.
Speaker 6 (29:42):
Let's just keep it just too.
Speaker 2 (29:43):
Justin, Yeah, just one the Lions. I'll take one running
back to Tamir Gibbs had over one hundred and sixty
scrimmage yards Monday night in a game they didn't need
against the Niners. Do I think he's going to go
over one hundred and twenty four and a half on
Sunday night in a game that the Lions would like
to win that they actually have a yes, I do,
because Jamiir Gibbs is so versatile, and I know this
Minnesota Viking defense that Brian Flores brings into Detroit has
(30:07):
a solid opportunity to stop the run. But Jamiir Gibbs
can get you in so many different ways. Ben Johnson,
while he's not calling reverse passes to his tackle, if
he calls a screen, Jamia Gibbs could take out to
the house.
Speaker 7 (30:18):
At any moment. I like him to go north. Not
just one twenty five and a half. I can put
that number even higher.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Let's the Commanders and the Cowboys in Dallas, Washington already
going to the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (30:28):
If they win Sunday, they stayed the sixth seed. Does
that happen? Great?
Speaker 5 (30:32):
It does.
Speaker 4 (30:33):
I think this is a game where you look at
the first matchup and you see the Cowboys had the
upset and actually plays into the Commander's hand.
Speaker 5 (30:39):
They know not to take it lightly.
Speaker 4 (30:40):
They win twenty seven to twenty because Jayden Daniels has
gone from one of the best scrambling young quarterbacks in
the league just one of the best running quarterbacks in
the league periods.
Speaker 5 (30:50):
Or just one of the best runners.
Speaker 4 (30:51):
I mean his decision making last week. He's so decisive.
When he decides to go, he goes, and he makes
people miss and then he goes quietly and smoothly out
of bounds, and it's like laughing and talking to the
defenders as he's doing it, Like the game seems so
slow for him for a rookie, it's remarkable. And now
he's going up against one of the worst rush defenses
(31:12):
in the league.
Speaker 5 (31:13):
In a few.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Years, I think the regular ground game can get going.
But when it doesn't work, Jade Daniels will get plenty
of scrambles, and I think they win this and they
cover the number and make sure they go get that
six seed.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
I have five points, so not quite covering the number.
Twenty seven twenty two in favor of the Commanders.
Speaker 6 (31:30):
When I'm looking at this, I want to talk about.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
The unsung hero. That would be zach Ertz. When you're
looking at Scary Terry who made the Pro Bowl, which
is very exciting, You're obviously looking at Jade Daniels, who's
very likely to win the Offensive Rookie.
Speaker 6 (31:42):
Of the Year. We kind of forget that some of.
Speaker 3 (31:45):
These really clutch moments, these like key third downs, these
last minute touchdowns, where is he looking well when Terry
m Corn isn't open, He's looking right at zach Ertz.
So I'm watching this tight end and he's obviously a
central figure to a Cliff Kingsbury offense. He was with
him in Arizona, now he's with him in Washington. Trust,
we don't talk about how zach Ertz is still getting
(32:05):
it done even if he's not an Eagle or even
at whatever, he's still great.
Speaker 2 (32:09):
Yeah, also beefing with Nick Sirianni in the division of fun.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
Fact Zach er it's so fun.
Speaker 7 (32:15):
That I don't have them covering the number either.
Speaker 2 (32:17):
I've got a slim Washington win twenty two to twenty
because they've had problems running the ball. They couldn't run
the ball against this Cowboys defense, which is also historically bad.
That number one team rush EPA since twenty sixteen allowed
is the Dallas Cowboys.
Speaker 7 (32:34):
In twenty twenty four.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
They've been historically bad, and the Washington Commanders lost to
them in the closing moments, which is the opposite of
what's happened in the closing moments for the Commanders this season.
Speaker 7 (32:43):
Look at all of these wins. Yes, it's not just
the Hail Mary.
Speaker 2 (32:47):
It's the late touchdown that we saw at the top
against the Atlanta Falcons. It's the late touchdown in the
division against the Philadelphia Eagles that was moments before Ertz
and Sirianni started beefin. It's just been close, So why
not have one more close game for the Washington Commanders
before they go into the postseason. Here in twenty twenty
four season, Tom fors to do some quick picks as
(33:08):
we are.
Speaker 7 (33:09):
Memed away on the Commanders.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
The Bears Packers in Lambeau green Bay already going to
the playoffs. Bears haven't won in Green Bay since the
Jordan Bulls we're playing.
Speaker 7 (33:18):
Does that change? Sunday, Greg, I don't know if it's true.
Speaker 5 (33:20):
I think that's been absolutely outrazous.
Speaker 6 (33:23):
Unfortunately, it's obviously true.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
Unfortunately for the pack I mean for Bears fans. You
have to watch one more game, but that's it. Then
it's over. You can take a break. Thirty to seventeen.
Packers win this game by doing what they've done all season,
by running the second they get off the bus. So
whether it's Josh Jacobs or Manuel Wilson, like, you don't
need to give Jacobs thirty carries in this game. But
we've seen if Malik Willis is that quarterback, they can
(33:45):
run the ball well, he can throw the ball well.
This is not a game where I'm worried about them
going to the backups. If they happen to be scoreboard
watching and you see Washington winning and maybe they're not
playing for much, their backups are going to be a
Bears team which is just ready for this season to end.
This is why we can't have an eighteen game season,
Roger Goodell, because nobody needs eighteen Bears games.
Speaker 2 (34:06):
Please, all right, the campaign begins from Greg Grossthal. Seahawks
and rams La gonna be resting their starters, so we're
gonna see Jimmy Garoppolo in this one. It's not because
of that, but I will take Seattle to win the
game eighteen to seventeen because we almost had an opportunity
for this game.
Speaker 7 (34:21):
To really matter. It came down very.
Speaker 2 (34:23):
Close of ball going off Trey McBride's face mask, but
just the opportunity for Jackson Smith and Jigbo who's had
a tremendous season especially late here, and the Seahawks passing
offense to get to ten wins against the Rams team
that's going to the postseason.
Speaker 7 (34:39):
So a win there. We're all on the Seahawks.
Speaker 2 (34:42):
The forty nine ers Cardinals also win the division in Glendale,
both teams out of the playoff race.
Speaker 7 (34:47):
Who does it for Pride.
Speaker 6 (34:48):
Cynthia Arizona.
Speaker 3 (34:50):
I guess twenty four to twenty one, and why because
I think Trey McBride has a massive game. We finally
saw him get in the end zone.
Speaker 6 (34:58):
The Great American nightmare is over. He scored.
Speaker 3 (35:02):
But I think in this matchup again he's going to
have a nice opportunity. Obviously, tight ends wearing number eighty
five are a big deal in this matchup just overall,
but I think that it's going to be the eighty
five for the Cardinals that sees the end zone potentially
or has the bigger game.
Speaker 2 (35:17):
Are unanimous for us on the Cardinals. Last one Jags
and Colts. I'm actually taking Matt Jones and the Jags
here to win twenty three to twenty a week after
seeing Drew Locke dice up this defense. But I do
want to talk about Anthony Richardson, depending on his status.
We are having these conversations later in the week, not
as late as I would like to hear more confidence
from stain Stichen about his starting quarterback playing through what
(35:40):
could be a couple of injuries there. If Anthony Richardson,
if the vibes are better about him feeling better, then I'll.
Speaker 7 (35:47):
Flip this pick around.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
But just considering all that this Colts defense has been through,
that's what scares me and causes me to pick a
team that could have the number one overall pick, pending
results this week still to come. So your team isn't
going to the playoffs, that's fine because now you can focus.
Speaker 7 (36:03):
On rooting against your enemies, Tess.
Speaker 2 (36:06):
You can spend more time checking out prop bets of
the week or on a hot street props on props
that's coming up next. Write this down next here on
game debut.
Speaker 7 (36:19):
Sunday at nine am Eastern. Rich is in, Kurt Warner,
Steve Maryucci.
Speaker 2 (36:23):
Cendia Freeland, the sar on the show, and the whole
crew get you.
Speaker 7 (36:26):
Set for kickoff with NFL Game Day Morning.
Speaker 2 (36:28):
Kurt warner sits down was Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson,
plus Lil Wayne and actor Oshane Jackson Junior joining the
show live in studio Sunday at nine am.
Speaker 4 (36:39):
Did you see in the green room littl Wayne has
a special section of drinks just for Little Wayne.
Speaker 7 (36:44):
Yeah, which is important. I'm leaving those drinks alone.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
There's a fun fact for you guys to note well
inside baseball stuff for write this down here on game debut.
Speaker 7 (36:52):
Some predictions for Week eighteen. Fire us off, Greg.
Speaker 5 (36:55):
Okay, for back to back weeks.
Speaker 4 (36:57):
I've taken the Lions team total, and I've taken Jamir
Gibbs's yards from scrimmage total, and I've smashed them together,
and I told you to combine them to get a
little extra And that's.
Speaker 5 (37:08):
What's gonna happen again. They keep raising the number.
Speaker 4 (37:10):
I don't care over one hundred and twenty four and
a half scrimmageyards against a good Vikings run defense.
Speaker 5 (37:16):
Doesn't matter. He'll get it through the air. The team
total little more worried about.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
Twenty nine and a half is a lot, but they
have average thirty seven and a half over the last.
Speaker 5 (37:26):
Four weeks against some pretty good defenses.
Speaker 4 (37:28):
So I like the Lions offense to know they need
to play their best when it matters. The most they
get over thirty and Jamir Gibbs brings it home. I'm
catching up the write this down segment. Picks have been
hot again.
Speaker 6 (37:42):
I hope you're right about that one, but mostly who wins.
Speaker 3 (37:44):
I'm gonna go with Bijon Robinson and I think that
he has more than one hundred and fifteen and a
half scrimmage jars against the Panthers. The team needs a
win here, but also Bijon Robinson has been electric. I
think this number is very low against a run defense
that is still being run on by someone else, ran on, run,
on run, whatever the past tense run is, that's what's
(38:05):
been happening.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
I'm also going to take in Atlanta Falcon and it's
maybe not the one you're thinking.
Speaker 5 (38:10):
Which all pitts.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
And a half receiving yards against the Panthers. Cow pits
seventeen targets in the last four games, including that one
in overtime, which I think, excuse me to get the
game to overtime, which I think might lead to Michael
Pennock Junior, targeting his big tight end a little bit more.
Speaker 7 (38:28):
Thanks for watching us here on.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
Game deviut presented by Mercedes Benz for Cynthia and Greg.
Speaker 7 (38:33):
I'm Patrick. We'll see you next week. Enjoy the games.
Speaker 1 (38:37):
NFL Game Deview is a production of the NFL in
partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the
iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
NFL Game Deview is a production of the NFL in
partnership with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Well in the Game Debut present about Mercedes been Patrick
playbound here with Greg Rosenthal and Cynthia Freeland, who have
gone back and forth all season long, but Cynthia, something
has changed this week.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Well, we kind of haven't gone back and forth all season.
That was nice of you, but it doesn't matter. It's
how you finish, right, It's not how you start, it's
how you finish. And right now things are okay. I
didn't even know.
Speaker 4 (00:32):
How to Apparently this Pittsburgh Steelers, of this operation looking
good all year and then at the end it just
sinks and I'm getting drummed all of a sudden.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Yeah, the dueling flexes there, Cynthia flexing that she didn't
even know, Greg flexing that he's been on top all
season long. But yes, with a three game lead that
she was apparently not aware of at all until our meetings.
Speaker 5 (00:54):
I don't buy that. I don't.
Speaker 6 (00:55):
I don't remember some of your He's.
Speaker 4 (00:56):
Checking what the picks are, but it's not done yet.
We got a big Week eight team. There's weird spreads
all over the place.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
I just look at my own they focus on myself, Greg,
you know, only me, I compet.
Speaker 5 (01:07):
With Don Drapered me. I don't even think yeah, yeah.
Speaker 7 (01:09):
Don't think about you at all.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
We got more sneak diss is coming on this edition
of the game debut High stakes though. When the Vikings
face off against the Lions on Sunday Night Football, the
winner gets the one seed in the NFC. Loser falls
all the way down to five. These teams throwing haymakers
when they met back in week seven. The Vikings at
fourteen and two could be right there where the Lions
are if they get this win on Sunday Night Football. Also,
(01:32):
you know, keep an eye on the Falcons and the
Buckses win loss situation could change that, But we're focused
on the Vikings. Lions rematched in Detroit, steaks huge. As
we said, very close the first time.
Speaker 7 (01:44):
You just saw it.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
What about this time in this matchup, Cynthia, what happens?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Well, it was kind of interesting to see that koc
that coach o'connells said that to stay healthy, because that
certainly hasn't happened. But I still somehow have Detroit coming
out on top by one measily point twenty seven, twenty
six in the Motor City. I don't like this from
the standpoint of like I'd rather hedge and like have
(02:10):
picked Minnesota and then like just be cheering for the
Lions and just be happy about it. But you know
who else likes to take risk more than me?
Speaker 6 (02:16):
That would be the coach.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
And when you're looking at what Jared Gossman doing on
third and fourth down last week, that was something where
Dan and I guess Ben Johnson too, they're like, Hey,
who cares if it's third or fourth down, We don't care.
We can throw touchdowns on every single down and we're
gonna keep going for it and not let our defense
stay on the field because there's pretty much no one
playing on the defense. So ultimately using those downs, those
(02:39):
later downs kind of the way that you'd use second
down or sometimes even first down a very interesting. Throwing
touchdowns on fourth down. That's a risky strategy, but if
you're going to be in the position where your entire
defense is banged up, it's a risk worth taking.
Speaker 6 (02:54):
And it paid off last week.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
And that's gonna be something I think we see here too,
especially considering Minnesota and later downs. They don't blitz as often,
so you're gonna get better looks potentially with less blitzing.
Speaker 6 (03:03):
It's interesting.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
So you're hedging a little bit, you are, you are
picking the Vikings to cover the spread.
Speaker 5 (03:09):
I am to cover that three AM.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
And I went into this week and I was almost surprised, Oh,
the Lions are favored.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
I don't.
Speaker 4 (03:14):
We just kind of see that the Vikings are a
better team now. And yet when I looked at this,
sometimes this is not about the team. It's not about
the numbers, it's not about hedging. I want to watch
Sunday night. I want to root on the lines, and
I believe there's something beyond the numbers that the model
can't even replicate.
Speaker 5 (03:30):
Lions win this game by four.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
They cover the number, and it's because of Dan Campbell,
because he's made us all believe in something greater than
just the x's and o's and the Jimmy's and the
Joe's and the blocking and the going for fourth down.
And I just have enjoyed being part of this journey.
They are America's team. I'm sorry Vikings, like I can't
remember a team that had this many people that aren't
(03:53):
Lions fans backing them.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
And so even though I kind.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Of think the Lions aren't as good because of their
defensive talent ultimately in the back seven, especially at cornerback
and linebacker.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
Ultimately, I look.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
At the just the games they've been in. They've been
making this journey for three years. You think about a
couple of years ago on Sunday Night Football when they
beat the Packers, and I just feel like they are
hard and just like Dan Campbell said, they've got special
players in golf and Gibbs, and they find a way
somehow to get it done and get themselves a little break.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, a little brick that's needed for a team that's
dealing with all these injuries. Guys, that's unanimous. I have
the Detroit Lions winning also by one. I'll give both
teams one more point than Cynthia. There might score twenty
eight to twenty seven, because I think there's going to
be high scores. The Lions clearly have those problems with
injuries on defense, but there are two parts of this
Lion's defense that are there and playing well.
Speaker 7 (04:45):
It is Kirby Joseph who leads the NFL in interceptions.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Talking about Pro Bowl snubs, i'n't the way that he
has played this season. Also, Brian Branch in the secondary,
Sam Donald almost half of his attempts are past the
sticks and the intermediate defense for the Detroit Lions secondary
top three in the entire NFL. I know they are hurt,
but if we're gonna pick the quarterback to make mistakes,
(05:10):
we saw Donald with those high throws last week against
the Green Bay Packers. Jared Goff hasn't made those mistakes.
I think Jared and the Lions gonna win here.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
They're gonna meme us, meme away. Viking spander the most
likely to meme.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Look at the blowouts that we have collectively six points
between us.
Speaker 7 (05:30):
We respect the Vikings. Just feel like the Lions are
gonna win this game at home.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Moving to the AFC, the Bengals might be the one
team opponents do not want to see in the postseas
they are still alive. Here's what they need. This list
was a lot longer a couple of weeks ago, but
the Bengals need to get a win against the Steelers
and then see the Broncos lose to the Chiefs and
the Dolphins lose or have a tie against the New
(05:54):
York Jets, but those things will happen afterwards. With the
Bengals Steelers on Saturday night, Pittsburgh already clinched the playoff spot,
since he needs that win to keep their dream alive.
Speaker 7 (06:04):
Do they get that winger.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
I don't think they do. It would be better for
our entertainment purposes. On Sunday, but I think the Bengals
lose for the first time in a while since they
last played the Steelers Pittsburgh wins twenty three to twenty
because sometimes you got to believe that there's a character
to a team, and it doesn't make sense you add
up fifty three different guys and yet the same thing
(06:25):
keeps happening over and over. And what I keep seeing
happen this season if you go all the way back
to the beginning with this Bengals team, is they just.
Speaker 5 (06:33):
Find ways to lose close games.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
And it's mostly because of those guys in the secondary
in the defense, and they've been better defensively lately, but
it's mostly because they're getting turnovers. They're not really getting
a lot of stops or forcing mistakes. And you're watching
all these games over the course of the season, whether
it's in the division to the Ravens or the Steelers,
and they're.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
All good opponents.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Well here's another one, Pittsburgh, and there's something I believe
that's in their DNA in Pittsburgh. I want to believe
they're different than the other Mike Tomlin teams that have
been nine and eight, ten and seven, not really that good.
I want to believe this team is an eleven and
six type of team that actually finishes the season strong
and gets this win on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
I agree with you, Greg, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers
win as well. I've got a twenty nine to twenty
eight win by this Steelers team. I would probably feel
different if both Nicks and the Broncos didn't absolutely evaporate
through the Bengals and score that touchdown on Saturday last week.
And I look back at the very last time these
two teams played when other than an interception on the
(07:34):
opening drive, which could have easily been defensive pass interference,
this was the best game that Russell Wilson has played,
maybe in the last five years. He was incredibly through
for four hundred yards. The Steelers could.
Speaker 7 (07:45):
Not be stopped.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
And yeah, I saw this Bengals pass rush not being
able to cause a whole lot of problems. There were
some mistakes, as Greg mentioned, has been the only reason
the Bengals have been able to get off the field lately.
The opposition hasn't been that well. I can't get this.
Speaker 7 (07:59):
Out of my mind. I'm going with the Steelers winning, Cynthia.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
You guys are letting me take the bank ah by myself.
Speaker 6 (08:06):
Okay, good fine.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
Cincinnati wins twenty six to twenty for prime number, this one.
I like as far as prime numbers go. Why because
you don't just have Joe Burrow who's playing out of
his mind. You don't just have Jamar Chase also playing
out of his mind, probably gonna win the Triple Crown.
Speaker 6 (08:21):
You also have number five.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Who recently just signed with the same agent as Number one.
Speaker 6 (08:25):
That would be Jamar Chase.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
And I think this is going to be an interesting
situation where both of these guys, maybe not on the
same team, but get a huge payday. In large part
because of how the end of this season has looked.
Speaker 6 (08:37):
T Higgins since returning for injury.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Oh, all he's done is score touchdowns at least one
in games and then at least seventy five years this
is the only wide receiver duo with ten or more
touchdowns each.
Speaker 6 (08:48):
Chase has sixteen, t Higgins has ten.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
I think that the dual threat there is going to
be too much for the Pittsburgh Steelers to overcome.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
All right, so no, it's no meme, but we do
have Cynthia all by herself with the favorites, and the
Cincinnati Bengals will see it.
Speaker 7 (09:02):
Hell thumbs down, Jamar t I'll.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Take a better rate if you guys want to sign
with me. It's time for expert playmakers presented by into
It Tobo attacks.
Speaker 7 (09:11):
We talked about the other option.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Cynthia, Well, Jamar Chase have over ninety two receiving yards
in this game.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
I have ninety nine, which is more than ninety two.
I think that this game is really going to come
down to I think it's going to be a nice
game with lots of passing yards. If you're looking at
where in the game you're going to get these yards
coming from, well, it's what happens when Joe Burrow is
not under pressure, which his O line has kept him
from pressure, and they kept TJ.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
Watt and check.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
So look, here's what I'm gonna say Jamar Chase ninety
nine yards.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
I like it all right, A fun game in the AFC.
Let's take a look at that AFC playoff picture where yeah,
the Kansas City Chiefs have wrapped up the bye, but
this game between the Chiefs and the Broncos determines the
future for both of those teams in the hunt, the
Dolphins and the Bengals. So let's dive in to this
matchup between the Chiefs and the Broncos. Casey gets the
(09:59):
one seed, they will be wrestling starters. No Patrick Mahomes,
no Chris Jones. If Denver wins, they lynch the final
wild card spot in the AFC.
Speaker 7 (10:06):
How do you see this going something?
Speaker 3 (10:07):
I think it's a closer than expecting game out, but
that way, I have twenty five to sixteen in favor
of Denver. I'm looking at bo Nix and his evolution
from the beginning of the season. I think we need
to kind of believe Sean Payton a little bit more.
Speaker 6 (10:20):
Before the season started, we were.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Kind of like, well, he's played a whole bunch of
he's old, you know, bo Nick says in he's old,
and we've seen some turnovers.
Speaker 6 (10:28):
We don't know what to expect and then Sean Payton.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Comes along watches him throw like six passes, like this
is the next Drew Brees. Now I'm not going to
call him the next Drew Brees, but I am going
to say we've seen such a stark contrast from the
beginning of the season to the end and his evolution,
his strategic use of the run game, his strategic I
do want to see how overall the Broncos run game
looks in this matchup, but I think it's a nice
solid win, just maybe a little closer than the number
(10:51):
is predicted.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
So it's the first game we're talking about. We're talking
about who's sitting and who's playing. Carson Wentz is starting
for the Chiefs and that's why you see that monster number.
Speaker 5 (11:02):
I think the Chiefs cover that number.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
So Cynthia and I think the Broncos win and they
ultimately go to the playoffs because they're different than old
Broncos team, because they have superstar quality players. This has
been such a one sided matchup Denver in Kansas City
over the last six seven years, but if you think
back to earlier this season, it was a very close game,
and it's partly because they have premier talent. You're watching
(11:25):
Zach Allen, who made the Pro Bowl, who might make
All Pro, who if he had a different name, would
be a star at this point because he's playing at
a star level. You're looking at Patrick's.
Speaker 7 (11:37):
Back if his name was like Razor Allen.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
I came up as a third round pick and he's
just not a well known guy because he comes from Arizona.
Patrick's defensive Player of the Year, premier talent. And I
would throw Quinn Miners in there, who probably should have
been on the Pro Bowl team or an All Pro.
But three guys who might be the very best at
their particular position. That's enough to get them through what
I think will be an anxious, closer game than Broncos
(12:02):
fans really want.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Yeah, I've also so got the Denver Broncos not necessarily
covering that line because rosters are only so big in
the NFL. The Chiefs have had injuries at skill positions.
Some people have to play, and so I think it's
closer there. I got a five point win. But we
are meming here, and Greg mentioned all the talent on
this Denver Broncos team. Let's discuss Courtland Sudden. What a
(12:24):
season for him. He's making difficult catches. He's making he's
like the only guy on the team.
Speaker 7 (12:30):
That's doing it.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Thirteen catches this season with a sub fifty percent completion probability,
more than all other Broncos receivers combined. Just a really
good season for a really good player, for this old,
elderly twenty five year old, twenty four year old quarterback
who turned twenty five in February in Bonnicks.
Speaker 7 (12:49):
But it was the critiques and people.
Speaker 6 (12:51):
I didn't make it up.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
I'm not like shaming. I'm not old shaming him. I'm
just saying that that was one of the draft notes him.
Speaker 6 (12:57):
He's old. Yeah, I didn't say it. I just said it.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Was like like a couple months older than Jaydon Daniels,
like Jill Ever, Right, they're not going to dry up
playing football. Saints Bucks in Tampa, Baker coming off a
smooth five touchdown performance against the Panthers.
Speaker 7 (13:12):
If the Bucks win Sunday, they.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Clinch the NFC South in a spot in the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (13:16):
Do they take care of business?
Speaker 6 (13:17):
Cynthia, Heck yeah, they do. Thirty to thirteen is my score.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
In Mike Evans, he gets his next one thousand yard season.
Speaker 6 (13:25):
That makes it eleven. He needs eighty five yards.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
That feels super manageable for him, maybe even in the
first half. Then they can sid him in the second
half well on their way to the postseason.
Speaker 7 (13:35):
I believe they do so as well. Baker plays well.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
But the guy that has been the big spark in
this late season push by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as
their rookie running back Bucky Irving, who I think has
great things to look forward to. Tampa Bay wins at
twenty four to thirteen, powered by their one thousand yard
rusher and Bucky Irving, who has a whole lot of
yards against the Carolina Panthers this season. And I recognize
(13:58):
those helped statistically, but look at what he's been able
to do down the stretch, especially those wins on the road,
and now they're back at home. I think Bucky Irving
powers this Bucks offense to another win.
Speaker 5 (14:09):
Yeah, it's going to.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
Be tough for Falcons fans watching this because they're just
hoping for a chance, and I think there is no chance.
I think the Bucks roll thirty seven to eleven is
my score. And I'm going to talk about Shaq Barrett,
who is now on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yeah, one
of the Super Bowl heros when they won back in
the twenty twenty season, was so good off the edge
for them. Retired, came out of retirement, was with the
(14:32):
Dolphins for a little while, and eventually they'd let him
go so he could play on a team he'd rather
play for.
Speaker 5 (14:37):
He's very close with Todd Bowles.
Speaker 4 (14:39):
He's been through a lot lately in terms of his
personal life, and he said when he was retired, it
sort of reignited his.
Speaker 5 (14:48):
Love for the game. So I think that's pretty cool.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
They could use a pass rusher, just something to watch
down the stretch, something they're someone they're really excited to
have back.
Speaker 7 (14:55):
In the build.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah, quite a luxury, be like, oh yeah, let's bring
Shaq Barrett back and go win this division.
Speaker 7 (15:00):
Let's take a look at the odds to win. It's
not NFC.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Yeah, right now, the Falcons are looking at this Bucks
game against the Saints, the fourteen hundred.
Speaker 4 (15:10):
We should have been listened to me before the season.
You can check out my division picks. I had the
Bucks to win it when everyone was on the Falcons.
Speaker 7 (15:17):
Yeah, it wasn't even close. All it took was an
over top loss to me.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Washington Commanders for those Falcons who have the Panthers coming
up in Lanta again, needs a win here plus the
Bucks to lose.
Speaker 7 (15:28):
How's that one gonna go? Greg?
Speaker 4 (15:29):
I think the Falcons do win this game, and I
think it's an important game for them to prove kind
of they've taken a step. Losing two straight at the
end would be disappointing, but Michael Pennox gets them a
close win twenty six to twenty three. I like the
Panthers a lot to cover this eight point spread because
to me, the Falcons have not earned the right to
be this huge and favorite against a good quarterback in
(15:49):
Bryce Young. And yet what we've seen out of Michael
Pennox the last couple of weeks I think will give
the Falcons and their fans optimism heading into the off season.
Look at that pass when he throws those out routes
down the field, that it gets there so fast that
the decision making is right, The poise is terrific. The
movement ability and all that like that'll come with time,
(16:10):
but he certainly is moving better than Kirk Cousins, So
I think it's ultimately a positive how they finished.
Speaker 5 (16:15):
As long as they win this game, don't lose it.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
Yeah, and I think the winning opportunity comes easy here.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
I got the Falcons.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
Winning twenty four to sixteen, mainly not just taking shots
at Bryce Young and his Panthers offense, but the run
defense is historically bad in Carolina. They've given up twenty
eight hundred yards rushing this season, and in terms of
EPA against, they're the second worst rush defense in the
history of the Next Gen Stats era, going all the
(16:43):
way back to twenty and sixteen. And that means Bjeon
Robinson will have an incredible opportunity. He's got six touchdowns
in his last five games, one hundred and twenty five
yards and one of them ninety four with two touchdowns.
Ninety with two touchdowns a week ago.
Speaker 7 (16:58):
Big week for Bijon and the Falcons.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Well, they have to rely on the Saints, which is
a tough spot for Falcons fans to be in.
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Sid Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
I have Atlanta winning too, but only by seven points,
so just one touchdown twenty six to nineteen, meme away.
Interestingly enough, I just feel like we should say at
least one nice thing about the Panthers and that's about
Adam Thielen, Adam Felen's ability to really help Bryce Young out,
especially after kind of a weird beginning of the season.
Speaker 6 (17:22):
Things were not good.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
There were some injuries, there's a lot of It was
a really tough season overall for this entire offense. But
I've been watching the routes that he's been running, I've
been watching him get open.
Speaker 6 (17:32):
I've been watching a.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Lot of fun things from Adam Thielen, and I think
that that has really helped Bryce Young. So if we're
looking for something positive here, look at the connection between
those two.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Look at the dimes being dropped about number nine out there.
Speaker 5 (17:45):
No, no, you're right. Steelan was supposed to be washed
up years ago. He's not washed up and he's amazing.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Stop ending people's careers like both of those players who
had a great turnaround this season. When we come back,
Tyreek and the Dolphins need a win to keep their
playoff dreams alive. They're going to MetLife to take on
Aaron Rodgers and the powerful Jets. Aaron would love to
crush the Fins and what could be his final game
as a Jet.
Speaker 7 (18:10):
Maybe he is anyone who's gonna win. Find out coming
up next on Game Debut, We're back on.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Game Davie with NFL Plus stream the entire NFL postseason,
including every playoff game and Super Bowl fifty nine live
on mobile. Subscription required for NFL Plus. Visit plus dot
NFL for terms and conditions. Time to Seize the Season
presented by Caesar sportsbook Is. I'm sure the folks in
Rome would be able to read those numerals a.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
Whole lot better than me. The Dolphins at the.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Jets' first touchdown score odds, it doesn't look like we're
very confident that the touchdown will be scored, but for
because the odds team up for VRSS Hoggen in Theilme
Devon Hm, Devonte Adams, Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson. Miami needs
a win to stay alive in the playoff Hunt a
win and hoping the Chiefs can be the Broncos who
(19:05):
as dealing with a hip injury. So Snoop Huntley pro bowler,
Snoopuntley starting again? What do you see taking place with you?
Speaker 3 (19:11):
So, as of what we know right now, and this
could change should their offensive line be different. I have
the Miami Dolphins winning by two points twenty two to twenty.
Speaker 6 (19:20):
It always makes me laugh whenever you ever hear that.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
But I just want to give a little love to
John new Smith, who's been a huge reason why this
team has a lot of different chances in every game.
Speaker 6 (19:29):
The tight end. He's been electric this year.
Speaker 3 (19:31):
He's been not just a guy who you can rely
on to get you those crucial third downs or touchdowns,
but also like he's changed his route, Like if you
watch him, if you were to pan out and watch
the all twenty twos, you can actually see him adjust
his route really specifically. So both quarterbacks have been very
happy to work with him, but also just watching his
ability to get open finding separation is huge and that's
(19:53):
part of the reason. Why not just he, but this
offense has been so helpful and been part of a
winning you know, as much winning as they've done and
putting them in the position to at least be eligible
for the playoffs in Week eighteen, and.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Even there in that highlight package you see them dragging
across the field. For this Dolphins offense that hasn't been
able to run the ball very well down the stretch.
In fact, they've actually been bad at it, which is
why you.
Speaker 7 (20:14):
Might think I would take the Jets here.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
I've got the Dolphins twenty one to eighteen because the
reason that you take the Jets is you believe their
quarterback will complete some passes and be good.
Speaker 7 (20:25):
But these past few games, it has been downright bad
for Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
So many opportunities to complete short passes one hundred Williams
ends up scoring a touchdown on this one. He had
Kennybola wide open, nobody in eight yards of him last week,
and he threw him a bounce pass. It's just a
rough spot for me to take Aaron Rodgers and the
Jets against the team that actually has an outside hope of.
Speaker 7 (20:49):
Going to the playoffs in this one. So yeah, I
will take I'll take the Miami Dolphins as well. Great.
Speaker 5 (20:54):
Yeah, this is a really tough one to pick. Now.
Speaker 4 (20:57):
It's been a tough year for modeling systems, like in
terms of like elections or whatever like. But there is
one system that's had one hundred percent success rate, and
that's been fraud.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Watch all season long.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Both Patrick and I put the Jets on fraud Watch.
They've remained fraudulent. I'm taking them off Broadwatch for Week
eighteen because the Dolphins are all banged up and they're
gonna get it done because of Greg Joseph. This is
gonna be a game we have no touchdowns, all kicks.
This is Greg Joseph in Washington. We couldn't find any
grooveage Jets footage.
Speaker 5 (21:28):
I don't know what the number is in.
Speaker 4 (21:30):
Terms of seizing the season, in terms of picking a
game with zero touchdown, six field goals'll get it in
there because the Jets can't finish any drive, so they
get six field goals. They have never finished the drive
with Aaron Rodgers's quarterback, don't check that.
Speaker 5 (21:43):
But the Dolphins snoop punt lee.
Speaker 4 (21:44):
Okay, I can live with him, but they're missing both tackles,
most likely Kenda Lambs on IR we don't know about
Toronto Armstead as we're taping this, and that's too much.
So I'm taking him off Broadwatch and Greg Joseph will
deliver me a game that I need to come back on.
Speaker 5 (21:59):
Cynthia, do it.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
For Greg, Greg, although he just has one g Let's
look at the draft order entering Week eighteen. These are
the stakes for those of you who would like a
team to lose. The Patriots right now holding on to
the number one overall pick, having to fend off the Titans, Browns,
and Giants all sitting currently at three and thirteen. So
keep that draft order in mind as we get to
(22:21):
some quick picks here. On Game day view, the Bills
and the Patriots. Buffalo locked into the two seed in
the AFC. If the Patriots win, they could miss out
on the number one overall pick. So what takes place.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
Welcome to your DFS lineup, Mitch Trubisky. Buffalo wins twenty
four to seventeen.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
I think this one. I want to give a little bit.
Speaker 3 (22:42):
Of love to the defense. We talked about a lot
of things with this offense, but Greg Russo has had
a really wonderful year. Of course, Von Miller's still there
aj Fanessa, but bringing the heat, bringing pressure in the
postseason is going to be a big deal. And you're watching,
especially Greg Russo have just a breakout season.
Speaker 6 (23:01):
They're going to have to figure out to pay him.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
That's a problem for later than future them. But ultimately
this is where a little bit of the difference is made.
I had questions about the defense coming in and Greg
Russo he has answered them.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
They're resting starters though we ekteen is funky when Patrick
and I are picking the Patriots starters to blow the
number one seed, but the Bills.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
Are Mitch Trubisky.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, the power of Mitch Trubisky. Let's go to the
Texas and Titans. Houston locked into the four seed and
the AFC Tennessee has the number two overall pick.
Speaker 7 (23:30):
Right now, do they do they at the end of
the week, grit No.
Speaker 5 (23:34):
I think the Titans win this game.
Speaker 4 (23:36):
I think the Patriots win too, because the Texans and
Jamiico Ryan say they're going to play their starters and
everyone has to be ready, but their starters aren't even
playing well lately, especially on the defensive side. Like as
great as they've been all season long, they've given up
a lot of points lately, and I just don't know
if they're the type of team that can go out
there and play for a quarter and a half and
(23:57):
then rest their guys and think they're going to win.
Speaker 5 (23:59):
That is what I expect.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
When coaches say they have to be ready to play
and they're gonna get some work, that usually means they're
not going to play the whole game the way they've
been playing over the last ten weeks. What reason do
I have to think Davis Mills and their backups are
going to win a game.
Speaker 5 (24:15):
Let's go tighten.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
Yeah, maybe that reason is the other team could have
the number one over all.
Speaker 7 (24:21):
The bit good.
Speaker 5 (24:21):
Players don't care about that, but maybe you're right.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Yeah, we'll see the Browns and Ravens Saturday afternoon. Baltimore
can clinch the AFC North with a win. I think
they do, although the number a little bit rich for me.
I've got a twenty one to thirteen win here, and
we're gonna see another quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. And
if you're watching this video of Dorian Thompson Robinson and thinking, well,
he turned the ball over all the time, why are
(24:45):
we playing him instead of Jamis Winston, Well, we got
another quarterback coming in who has more interceptions in his
career than touchdowns. That's Bailey Zappi playing, which is why
Greg Rosenthal has a thirty to eight score. Not a
lot of faith in the Cleveland Browns, but I think
they're playing for something, an opportunity to spoil.
Speaker 4 (25:02):
I mean that's generous. They scored three against the Dolphins
last week.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
It's been rough the Giants and Eagles Philly locked into
the two seed in the NFC. They're resting their starters,
including Saquon the Big Blues team starters gonna win against
the Eagles.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
A do I'm going with all the teammoots who are
playing their starters blowing their draft pick. Drew Locke, It's happening,
Malik Neighbors. This guy is a force of nature. That
was one of the best games I can remember out
of a rookie wide receiver I've ever seen.
Speaker 5 (25:34):
It reminded me of Odell Beckham against the Cowboys back
in the day.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
Man, this kid can make every type of throw and
I think Drew Lock has played better than the numbers
indicate all season. Again, it's a bunch of starters against
a bunch of backups, and that's why these numbers are
so low.
Speaker 5 (25:51):
Minus three for the Eagles. What are you laughing at?
Speaker 7 (25:53):
I'm laughing at.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
Drew Lock throwing for like three are ars there, Melik's
Neighbors running for.
Speaker 7 (25:57):
Fifty seven star touchdown.
Speaker 5 (25:58):
It's your playmakers game of his life.
Speaker 7 (26:01):
Drew Lock coming up the Chargers. Raiders in Vegas.
Speaker 2 (26:04):
Coach Harball says, if there's a chance to move up
seeds in the playoffs, they are gonna take it. So
LA is playing to win the game. The Raiders of
one two in a row. What happens here?
Speaker 4 (26:13):
Greg, I think the Chargers do win this game, and
they win it going to way twenty three to thirteen
because Justin Herbert is playing his best ball of the
year at the end of the season.
Speaker 5 (26:23):
That is absolutely huge. And then on the.
Speaker 4 (26:24):
Flip side, on defense, Derwin James has been on a
sack streak. Very nice to see Derwin James rewarded with
a Pro Bowl appearance. They're using him more around the
line of scrimmage. He also is always the happiest guy
in the postgame celebration. You can tell when they talk
like culture. I don't even know what that means. I
think it's just having guys who are really good that
(26:45):
care a lot. And I think Jim Harbaugh recognized Derwin
James as a like minded individual, a really talented individual
who cares a lot.
Speaker 5 (26:53):
Happy to see him doing so well.
Speaker 2 (26:54):
Yeah, it's a fun team, a lot of guys to
root for. I also have them scoring twenty three points.
I've got to win twenty three to nineteen, and they
get one of their best players on offense back and
we saw JK. Dobbins be a part of this offense
when they really started to play well. Played well last week,
didn't have to play a lot, but what an opportunity
for a guy who I think could be the comeback
(27:16):
player of the year in the NFL.
Speaker 7 (27:18):
And JK.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
Dobbins powers this team to twenty three points early and
then they could shut it down as the defense holds
strong and gets this win against Las Vegas.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Cynthia, I mean, twenty three seems to be the number
for the Chargers. From twenty three to sixteen is my score?
A touchdown win for the Chargers.
Speaker 6 (27:36):
Mimus Away. I just want to talk about Brock Bauers.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
One last time because we're probably not going to I mean,
we're not talking about in the postseason, but ultimately what
he's been able to do, breaking Mike Dickka's sixty three
year record, that's incredible. It's all about yards after the catch,
yards after the catch, over expected, all the different ways
that he's been able to run, all the routes on
the route treet be effective in each and every one
(28:00):
of them. The thing about this kid is he's so quiet.
Speaker 6 (28:03):
We don't even hear him. He doesn't talk about it.
Speaker 3 (28:05):
He's not like one of those people who's telling us
how amazing he is, So we get to be the
mouthpiece for him. He should at least be in consideration
for Offensive Player of the You're just with lad mconukey
as well. But Rock Bowers an amazing talent. We're going
to be watching him going forward, and you know next
time we'll talk about him is probably you know in
the preseason where we're doing fantasy drafts and you're gonna
want to.
Speaker 5 (28:22):
Draft him very high.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
Oh no, I'm covering him in the Pro Bowl games
very early.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Same after the first half on Thursday. I know some
Georgia fans would like Brock Bowers and Ladd mccaukeey'll still
be there. Let's go for more or less talk to
some player props for the colossal Vikings Lions matchup on
Sunday night. Gretx Well one, Jared Golf, So for more
or less? Wait, just one passing touch?
Speaker 4 (28:43):
I mean, let's throw the moon. Can I just throw
it off the camera? It's over, I mean one and
a half. It's never gotten any easier. Brian Flores in
this defense, I'm curious how aggressive they will be, but
there's usually holes in the middle of their defense. If
you're going to attack the Vikings, that's where you attack them.
And who is graded attacking the middle of the field.
(29:03):
It's Jared Goff Right, there's your.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
Lips to whoever's in charge his ears to make that happen.
Whoever's in charge, Just here, Greg, I.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
Will ask you about the opposition then, Cynthia, because Justin
Jefferson has two one hundred yard games at his last four,
does he go for more or less than ninety one
and a half.
Speaker 3 (29:20):
Receiving you He's another guy who have ninety nine yards
forecast for more yards than that. This defense is real
lying there are a ton of players still on IR.
I think a lot of those players at Carlton Davis specifically,
I would really like to have him back for this
matchup with Justin Jefferson. I think the key will be
not letting both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Maddison have one
(29:41):
hundred yards.
Speaker 6 (29:42):
Let's just keep it just too.
Speaker 2 (29:43):
Justin, Yeah, just one the Lions. I'll take one running
back to Tamir Gibbs had over one hundred and sixty
scrimmage yards Monday night in a game they didn't need
against the Niners. Do I think he's going to go
over one hundred and twenty four and a half on
Sunday night in a game that the Lions would like
to win that they actually have a yes, I do,
because Jamiir Gibbs is so versatile, and I know this
Minnesota Viking defense that Brian Flores brings into Detroit has
(30:07):
a solid opportunity to stop the run. But Jamiir Gibbs
can get you in so many different ways. Ben Johnson,
while he's not calling reverse passes to his tackle, if
he calls a screen, Jamia Gibbs could take out to
the house.
Speaker 7 (30:18):
At any moment. I like him to go north. Not
just one twenty five and a half. I can put
that number even higher.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Let's the Commanders and the Cowboys in Dallas, Washington already
going to the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (30:28):
If they win Sunday, they stayed the sixth seed. Does
that happen? Great?
Speaker 5 (30:32):
It does.
Speaker 4 (30:33):
I think this is a game where you look at
the first matchup and you see the Cowboys had the
upset and actually plays into the Commander's hand.
Speaker 5 (30:39):
They know not to take it lightly.
Speaker 4 (30:40):
They win twenty seven to twenty because Jayden Daniels has
gone from one of the best scrambling young quarterbacks in
the league just one of the best running quarterbacks in
the league periods.
Speaker 5 (30:50):
Or just one of the best runners.
Speaker 4 (30:51):
I mean his decision making last week. He's so decisive.
When he decides to go, he goes, and he makes
people miss and then he goes quietly and smoothly out
of bounds, and it's like laughing and talking to the
defenders as he's doing it, Like the game seems so
slow for him for a rookie, it's remarkable. And now
he's going up against one of the worst rush defenses
(31:12):
in the league.
Speaker 5 (31:13):
In a few.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Years, I think the regular ground game can get going.
But when it doesn't work, Jade Daniels will get plenty
of scrambles, and I think they win this and they
cover the number and make sure they go get that
six seed.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
I have five points, so not quite covering the number.
Twenty seven twenty two in favor of the Commanders.
Speaker 6 (31:30):
When I'm looking at this, I want to talk about.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
The unsung hero. That would be zach Ertz. When you're
looking at Scary Terry who made the Pro Bowl, which
is very exciting, You're obviously looking at Jade Daniels, who's
very likely to win the Offensive Rookie.
Speaker 6 (31:42):
Of the Year. We kind of forget that some of.
Speaker 3 (31:45):
These really clutch moments, these like key third downs, these
last minute touchdowns, where is he looking well when Terry
m Corn isn't open, He's looking right at zach Ertz.
So I'm watching this tight end and he's obviously a
central figure to a Cliff Kingsbury offense. He was with
him in Arizona, now he's with him in Washington. Trust,
we don't talk about how zach Ertz is still getting
(32:05):
it done even if he's not an Eagle or even
at whatever, he's still great.
Speaker 2 (32:09):
Yeah, also beefing with Nick Sirianni in the division of fun.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
Fact Zach er it's so fun.
Speaker 7 (32:15):
That I don't have them covering the number either.
Speaker 2 (32:17):
I've got a slim Washington win twenty two to twenty
because they've had problems running the ball. They couldn't run
the ball against this Cowboys defense, which is also historically bad.
That number one team rush EPA since twenty sixteen allowed
is the Dallas Cowboys.
Speaker 7 (32:34):
In twenty twenty four.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
They've been historically bad, and the Washington Commanders lost to
them in the closing moments, which is the opposite of
what's happened in the closing moments for the Commanders this season.
Speaker 7 (32:43):
Look at all of these wins. Yes, it's not just
the Hail Mary.
Speaker 2 (32:47):
It's the late touchdown that we saw at the top
against the Atlanta Falcons. It's the late touchdown in the
division against the Philadelphia Eagles that was moments before Ertz
and Sirianni started beefin. It's just been close, So why
not have one more close game for the Washington Commanders
before they go into the postseason. Here in twenty twenty
four season, Tom fors to do some quick picks as
(33:08):
we are.
Speaker 7 (33:09):
Memed away on the Commanders.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
The Bears Packers in Lambeau green Bay already going to
the playoffs. Bears haven't won in Green Bay since the
Jordan Bulls we're playing.
Speaker 7 (33:18):
Does that change? Sunday, Greg, I don't know if it's true.
Speaker 5 (33:20):
I think that's been absolutely outrazous.
Speaker 6 (33:23):
Unfortunately, it's obviously true.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
Unfortunately for the pack I mean for Bears fans. You
have to watch one more game, but that's it. Then
it's over. You can take a break. Thirty to seventeen.
Packers win this game by doing what they've done all season,
by running the second they get off the bus. So
whether it's Josh Jacobs or Manuel Wilson, like, you don't
need to give Jacobs thirty carries in this game. But
we've seen if Malik Willis is that quarterback, they can
(33:45):
run the ball well, he can throw the ball well.
This is not a game where I'm worried about them
going to the backups. If they happen to be scoreboard
watching and you see Washington winning and maybe they're not
playing for much, their backups are going to be a
Bears team which is just ready for this season to end.
This is why we can't have an eighteen game season,
Roger Goodell, because nobody needs eighteen Bears games.
Speaker 2 (34:06):
Please, all right, the campaign begins from Greg Grossthal. Seahawks
and rams La gonna be resting their starters, so we're
gonna see Jimmy Garoppolo in this one. It's not because
of that, but I will take Seattle to win the
game eighteen to seventeen because we almost had an opportunity
for this game.
Speaker 7 (34:21):
To really matter. It came down very.
Speaker 2 (34:23):
Close of ball going off Trey McBride's face mask, but
just the opportunity for Jackson Smith and Jigbo who's had
a tremendous season especially late here, and the Seahawks passing
offense to get to ten wins against the Rams team
that's going to the postseason.
Speaker 7 (34:39):
So a win there. We're all on the Seahawks.
Speaker 2 (34:42):
The forty nine ers Cardinals also win the division in Glendale,
both teams out of the playoff race.
Speaker 7 (34:47):
Who does it for Pride.
Speaker 6 (34:48):
Cynthia Arizona.
Speaker 3 (34:50):
I guess twenty four to twenty one, and why because
I think Trey McBride has a massive game. We finally
saw him get in the end zone.
Speaker 6 (34:58):
The Great American nightmare is over. He scored.
Speaker 3 (35:02):
But I think in this matchup again he's going to
have a nice opportunity. Obviously, tight ends wearing number eighty
five are a big deal in this matchup just overall,
but I think that it's going to be the eighty
five for the Cardinals that sees the end zone potentially
or has the bigger game.
Speaker 2 (35:17):
Are unanimous for us on the Cardinals. Last one Jags
and Colts. I'm actually taking Matt Jones and the Jags
here to win twenty three to twenty a week after
seeing Drew Locke dice up this defense. But I do
want to talk about Anthony Richardson, depending on his status.
We are having these conversations later in the week, not
as late as I would like to hear more confidence
from stain Stichen about his starting quarterback playing through what
(35:40):
could be a couple of injuries there. If Anthony Richardson,
if the vibes are better about him feeling better, then I'll.
Speaker 7 (35:47):
Flip this pick around.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
But just considering all that this Colts defense has been through,
that's what scares me and causes me to pick a
team that could have the number one overall pick, pending
results this week still to come. So your team isn't
going to the playoffs, that's fine because now you can focus.
Speaker 7 (36:03):
On rooting against your enemies, Tess.
Speaker 2 (36:06):
You can spend more time checking out prop bets of
the week or on a hot street props on props
that's coming up next. Write this down next here on
game debut.
Speaker 7 (36:19):
Sunday at nine am Eastern. Rich is in, Kurt Warner,
Steve Maryucci.
Speaker 2 (36:23):
Cendia Freeland, the sar on the show, and the whole
crew get you.
Speaker 7 (36:26):
Set for kickoff with NFL Game Day Morning.
Speaker 2 (36:28):
Kurt warner sits down was Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson,
plus Lil Wayne and actor Oshane Jackson Junior joining the
show live in studio Sunday at nine am.
Speaker 4 (36:39):
Did you see in the green room littl Wayne has
a special section of drinks just for Little Wayne.
Speaker 7 (36:44):
Yeah, which is important. I'm leaving those drinks alone.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
There's a fun fact for you guys to note well
inside baseball stuff for write this down here on game debut.
Speaker 7 (36:52):
Some predictions for Week eighteen. Fire us off, Greg.
Speaker 5 (36:55):
Okay, for back to back weeks.
Speaker 4 (36:57):
I've taken the Lions team total, and I've taken Jamir
Gibbs's yards from scrimmage total, and I've smashed them together,
and I told you to combine them to get a
little extra And that's.
Speaker 5 (37:08):
What's gonna happen again. They keep raising the number.
Speaker 4 (37:10):
I don't care over one hundred and twenty four and
a half scrimmageyards against a good Vikings run defense.
Speaker 5 (37:16):
Doesn't matter. He'll get it through the air. The team
total little more worried about.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
Twenty nine and a half is a lot, but they
have average thirty seven and a half over the last.
Speaker 5 (37:26):
Four weeks against some pretty good defenses.
Speaker 4 (37:28):
So I like the Lions offense to know they need
to play their best when it matters. The most they
get over thirty and Jamir Gibbs brings it home. I'm
catching up the write this down segment. Picks have been
hot again.
Speaker 6 (37:42):
I hope you're right about that one, but mostly who wins.
Speaker 3 (37:44):
I'm gonna go with Bijon Robinson and I think that
he has more than one hundred and fifteen and a
half scrimmage jars against the Panthers. The team needs a
win here, but also Bijon Robinson has been electric. I
think this number is very low against a run defense
that is still being run on by someone else, ran on, run,
on run, whatever the past tense run is, that's what's
(38:05):
been happening.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
I'm also going to take in Atlanta Falcon and it's
maybe not the one you're thinking.
Speaker 5 (38:10):
Which all pitts.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
And a half receiving yards against the Panthers. Cow pits
seventeen targets in the last four games, including that one
in overtime, which I think, excuse me to get the
game to overtime, which I think might lead to Michael
Pennock Junior, targeting his big tight end a little bit more.
Speaker 7 (38:28):
Thanks for watching us here on.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
Game deviut presented by Mercedes Benz for Cynthia and Greg.
Speaker 7 (38:33):
I'm Patrick. We'll see you next week. Enjoy the games.
Speaker 1 (38:37):
NFL Game Deview is a production of the NFL in
partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the
iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Hosts And Creators
Gregg Rosenthal
Rachel Bonnetta
Cynthia Frelund
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.